Sexton joins Florida Panthers as assistant general manager

Randy Sexton left his position as executive director of Capital Sports Management Inc. on Friday to pursue the role of assistant general manager with the Florida Panthers.

"I was privileged to work in Ottawa for a number of years and I feel very privileged to be here in Florida working in another NHL office again," said Sexton, the Ottawa Senators general manager from 1993 to 1996, during a conference call Friday afternoon. "While I'll always have a very special place in my heart for the Senators, I felt it was important for me as a professional to push myself, to stretch some and to grow as a professional. It's a real honour to work in the NHL."

Florida general manager and head coach Jacques Martin, the former head coach of the Senators, says Sexton will be a good fit in Florida.

"It's a pleasure for me to have Randy join our organization. I really feel Randy brings an element that will really be a complement to myself and the organization. The fact that he worked as a general manager, I really value his experience. I think we have very similar philosophies and strong beliefs."

Senators president and CEO Roy Mlakar says Sexton will be missed by Capital Sports Management Inc and the Senators.

"I've often said I don't think Randy gets enough credit for what he did," Mlakar said. "We stuck to his game plan of drafting well and (building) from within. We have 14 players who we originally drafted that are playing here, and that was Randy's game plan.

"He's also been an invaluable asset to Capital Sports Management. We're going to miss Randy. He's got a great opportunity and I personally am very proud of him and think Jacques made an excellent decision hiring him."